Gain the skills and hands-on experience to make a real impact in your community through Siena’s nationally accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. Prepare to serve, advocate, and lead with confidence.
Undergraduate Social Work at Siena: Hands-On Experience, Real-World Impact
Ready to make an impact? Siena’s nationally accredited Bachelor of Social Work program gives undergraduate students more than classroom knowledge. You will build practical skills, form meaningful relationships, and learn how to support individuals, advocate for change, and strengthen communities.
From your first course through your final field internship, you will gain hands-on experience that prepares you for a career in social work or advanced graduate study. Siena’s social work program is ranked in the top 20% nationally by College Factual.
What you'll learn and experience
You won’t just learn about social work—you’ll do social work. Our skills-focused courses teach you how to communicate, intervene, and support individuals, families, groups, and communities. You’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work, ready to enter the field with confidence and competence.
Capstone Field Experience
Your journey culminates in a two-semester, 460-hour field placement where you’ll put your skills to work, actively practicing what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. This isn’t just an internship; it’s your chance to make an impact in the community, guided by Siena’s dedicated faculty.
"The internships being incorporated into the academic requirements, in addition to classroom activities and guests, have allowed me to gain so many skills and knowledge that will carry into my professional and personal life for years to come." - Maygen Robinson
Cohort Learning
Starting your junior year, you’ll join a cohort of like-minded peers, building a strong sense of community and support. Together, you’ll tackle challenges, celebrate successes, and grow as future social work professionals.
"The Social Work major is an amazing way to learn about people. You not only learn about topics like research, policy, and therapy but also human behavior. The program gave me opportunities to serve food to the homeless, work in a high school, and support a harm reduction program. Siena’s social work program prepares you to serve others in the spirit of St. Francis." -Jonathan Limey
Academic, Behavioral, and Ethical Expectations
The Academic, Behavioral, and Ethical Expectations provide students clear guidelines on their academic and professional performance in the classroom, field setting and interactions with peers and members of the department. These expectations are used to evaluate students for the BSW Program.
Siena's distinctive approach
Unlike larger programs, Siena offers a personalized and inclusive education. Here, professors don’t just teach—they mentor, guide, and support you every step of the way. You’ll gain marketable skills through:
Practical Experience: Complete a 450-hour internship tailored to your interests. Choose from diverse settings like schools, nursing homes, probation offices, domestic violence shelters, and more.
Proven Pathways: With Siena's CSWE accreditation since 1985, you’re set for success. Graduates are eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs, allowing you to earn your Master’s in less than two years.
A Personal Network: You’ll build connections with peers, professors, and alumni, creating a professional network that opens doors long after graduation.
"The professors in the Social Work Program provided amazing career advice and guidance. They opened my eyes to a world of caring and understanding. I realized that a job is more than just earnings; it’s about being content and proud of what you accomplished. Siena helped me find my passion for helping others." - Carlos Gonzalez
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK from siena?
Siena Bachelor of Social Work graduates don’t just find jobs—they thrive. With extensive real-world experience, alumni step into roles across healthcare, criminal justice, schools, the military, and community organizations. They have built careers with organizations like Albany Med, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Northern Rivers, Joseph's House and Shelter, Spina Bifida Association of New York State, the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, St. Anne's Institute, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, as well as the Albany County Public Defender's Office.
Whether entering the workforce or pursuing an advanced degree, Siena Bachelor of Social Work graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact.
CSWE's Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards
Graduate schools offer advanced standing programs to graduates of accredited BSW programs (as long as the student meets requirements set by the individual graduate school), allowing students to earn a Master's Degree in Social Work in less than 2 years
ready to start your journey?
At Siena, you won’t just study social work—you’ll live it. With a blend of immersive academics, hands-on experiences, and unwavering support, you’ll be prepared to step into the world as a confident, compassionate social worker. Apply today to be a Siena Saint. You'll become part of a program that’s more than just a degree—it’s the start of your lifelong impact.
Cynthia Bott
BSW Program Director, Department Chair, Professor of Social Work
